Gifts
What is the best gift that you have ever been given? As a child, birthdays and Christmas were a time to look forward to gifts that would delight us. As adults, the gifts became more expensive and not as many as when a child. But it is always a pleasant surprise when someone gives another person a gift.
Some of the gifts that we receive have more meaning to them than others. Perhaps a good friend gave us something that we wanted and knew we would never get for ourselves. Maybe a spouse surprised us with a gift that we never expected. An employer may have shown their appreciation to us by giving us a gift. Even our children may have given us a gift that we cherish even to this day. Gifts that we receive are very good.
But something that is even greater is the one who gives the gift. Have you ever given something to someone, and when they receive it, the sheer joy on their faces and response brings a huge smile to your face? You know that the gift is appreciated and made the recipient happy. Have you ever heard the words, “It is better to give than to receive?”
All of us have received a gift. It is a gift that is indescribable. Try as we might, we cannot think of words that tell us how wonderful, appreciated, happy that gift has made us. What would that gift be for you? I know what that gift is. You might say, “But Doug, you do not even know me.” It’s true that I may not know everyone that is reading these words, but I do know what that gift is that you have been given.
The greatest gift was given to everyone by a loving Father who is Creator of all things. And the gift that He gave was His only Son. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” There is no gift that anyone can give that means more than what God gave to all of mankind. His Son was mocked, beaten, nailed to a cross, died and was resurrected so that each one of us can have eternal life and live with Him after our time on this earth is over.
We must be willing to obey our Lord and do what He asks of us in the New Testament. Do you believe in Jesus? Are you willing to repent your old lifestyle? Are you ready to confess Him before men? Are you willing to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? These things must be done if you want this gift. After accepting the gift you are called upon to be faith till death. (Revelation 2:10)
Paul would write in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If you haven’t accepted your gift, do it today!